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[Walshicus]

If a rUk political party (in the event of a yes) agrees to a union after it being the main defence for the No vote they'll be committing political suicide.

Sincerely doubt that. The electorate don't give a shit about it; half we English either support it and the other half just don't care.

Beside, the whole currency noise just reinforces how little regard Westminster holds Scotland in. The entire campaign has been designed to instil fear in the Scots: "you're too small", "you're too weak", "leave and you'll get nothing" It's almost like watching an abusive partner (and Westminster fits the description so well).

Try and evaluate what the Union actually brings to Scots that's positive or hopeful and the answer is: "nothing".

 

[GingerNathan]

Sincerely doubt that. The electorate don't give a shit about it; half we English either support it and the other half just don't care.

Beside, the whole currency noise just reinforces how little regard Westminster holds Scotland in. The entire campaign has been designed to instil fear in the Scots: "you're too small", "you're too weak", "leave and you'll get nothing" It's almost like watching an abusive partner (and Westminster fits the description so well).

Try and evaluate what the Union actually brings to Scots that's positive or hopeful and the answer is: "nothing".

I know it's anecdotal but everybody I've spoken to doesn't want a monetary union (although I do live in the heavily Pro-conservative Norfolk). I would welcome polls on the position of the UK population (not including Scotland) regarding the issue.

What about jobs? Do you think The HMS Queen Elizabeth would have been built in Scotland without a Union? It's rhetorical, the rUK would move ship building south. What about the proposed UK space port, I'd imagine the chances of Scotland getting that'll be rather diminished on a yes vote.
Also I was under the impression around a fifth of all employed people in Scotland work in the public sector (down from a third in 2010 so it is declining) and that many of the services they provide are for south of the border, that's potentially a lot of people unemployed if the vote goes Salmond's way.

 

[CyclopsRock]

I don't think there's any evidence for that as a significant factor. I took a look at the dollar exchange rate for a bunch of currencies over the last year and compared the high as a % of low.

In order of population:
Indian Rupee: 117% (high as % of low)
Euro: 106%
English Pound: 112%
Canadian Dollar: 110%
Danish Kroner: 105%
Swiss Franc: 106%
Icelandic Kroner: 110%

Right, but that's only a single metric - the key benefit of controlling one's own currency is that a central bank can try to steer inflation by the setting of interest rates. I have no idea, but perhaps the smaller of these countries have been forced to do this - which isn't all that great, unless it happens to coincide with what they'd want to do anyway (as a counter example, due to the recent sanctions, Russia is being forced to hike its interest rates in order to stem inflation, which is really the last thing it wants to do thanks to its sluggish economy, but the alternative of high inflation is worse). Similarly, smaller currencies - such as the Danish Kroner - have official guidelines attempting to bind them to other, larger neighbouring currencies, like the Euro. This is a good idea since they're obviously big trading partners with the EU at large, but it also offers a reduction in autonomy. Furthermore, these are all stable, established currencies, which a Scottish Bawbee could well become, but it's unlikely to be in the first place (Especially with some expectation of the shifting of industry from what's currently there).

In short, I think it's pretty inarguable that smaller currencies are more at the behest of larger currencies and the markets than large currencies are. The larger a currency, the less it needs to fight these stimuli to maintain stability.

 

[Nicktendo86]

Sincerely doubt that. The electorate don't give a shit about it; half we English either support it and the other half just don't care.

Beside, the whole currency noise just reinforces how little regard Westminster holds Scotland in. The entire campaign has been designed to instil fear in the Scots: "you're too small", "you're too weak", "leave and you'll get nothing" It's almost like watching an abusive partner (and Westminster fits the description so well).

Try and evaluate what the Union actually brings to Scots that's positive or hopeful and the answer is: "nothing".

The union brings nothing positive to Scotland? Really? Did you just say that? 300 years of trade, shared culture, shared army repressing enemies in two world wars, shared resources in science and medicine, just to name but a few. I cannot get my head around how someone who lives the EU so much is so much in favour of Scottish independence either, what's the argument?

 

[Seanbob11]

Sincerely doubt that. The electorate don't give a shit about it; half we English either support it and the other half just don't care.

Beside, the whole currency noise just reinforces how little regard Westminster holds Scotland in. The entire campaign has been designed to instil fear in the Scots: "you're too small", "you're too weak", "leave and you'll get nothing" It's almost like watching an abusive partner (and Westminster fits the description so well).

Try and evaluate what the Union actually brings to Scots that's positive or hopeful and the answer is: "nothing".

You've got to be a troll. The things you're saying. They're nonsense.

 

[Walshicus]

300 years of trade,

Don't need the UK for that.

shared culture,

That's not a positive.

shared army repressing enemies in two world wars,

You probably mean to use "opposing". Independent states are free to form military alliances; and let's not pretend that our involvement in the Great War was positive. . Plus: Iraq.

shared resources in science and medicine

Technology doesn't progress like a bloody computer game. Countries don't have a Tech Level or shit. Technology progresses either through private firms competing, or through university-level research being conducted. The idea that England + Scotland spending on this would be by definition less than "UK" spending is laughable. The few big budget projects (like ITER) that can't be done at a state level are already internationalised.

, just to name but a few. I cannot get my head around how someone who loves the EU so much is so much in favour of Scottish independence either, what's the argument?

I don't see where there's room for confusion. I believe the EU is the framework through which all (willing) nations in Europe should be interacting; a scaffolding we use.

I think England and Scotland should be friendly partners. I don't want us in the same state.

 

[Jackben]

If you don't want to be colonized by wankers, I don't blame you.

 

[phisheep]

I don't understand what you're getting at.

Sure, independent Scotland could use the dollar if they wanted, like Panama. But that's clearly less desirable than having one's own currency that you devalue at will.

One would think that it'd be even less desirable would be to use the currency of the country you just left, and therefore be economically beholden to the very country you were trying to become independent from. That's why I say independent Scotland should be looking to bring it its own currency, but apparently that's not the plan.

As I think I've said before, I suspect that that is the plan. That way the Scots (a) get to be independent and (b) still get to blame England for everything.

Not, I imagine, something that will make for healthy relationships in the long term.

What I would prefer, being as the Scottish and Welsh civil services are to some degree different from the English one, is for neighbouring counties to be able to vote on whether they wish to be part of England/Wales/Scotland as appropriate. Certainly farmers in my patch of England would vote to be part of Wales like a shot.

Competition in public services going to the best bidder. Who'd have thought it, eh?

Offer that, and (a) the argument for independence will vanish and (b) the Westminster based Civil Service will have some bloody competition.

 

[RedShift]

Salmond now switching from 'they'll definitely form a currency union with us' to 'they have to form a currency union with us'. "It's Scotland's pound and we are keeping it."

The idea that the rest of the UK shouldn't be allowed to choose whether it's in a currency union or not is absurd. I really am surprised how badly he's messed up the currency issue.

 

[Uzzy]

Looks like the Plan B for the currency has been found.

"The reason we are keeping the pound in a currency union, and the reason we are so unambiguous about it, is because we are appealing to the greatest authority of all, that is the sovereign will of the people of Scotland," he told Holyrood. "It is Scotland's pound. It doesn't belong to George Osborne [the UK chancellor], it doesn't belong to Ed Balls [the shadow chancellor]. It's Scotland's pound and we are keeping it."

I sure am glad that Alec Salmond thinks the Scottish people's sovereign will trumps everyone else's desires and sovereign will. Guess we don't need any negotiations, just the SNP telling the rUK exactly what bits and pieces they want, as everyone in the rUK no longer has a say.

The idea that the rest of the UK shouldn't be allowed to choose whether it's in a currency union or not is absurd. I really am surprised how badly he's messed up the currency issue.

Scottish sovereign will trumps all. They vote and the rest of us have to jump to their tune.

 

[QuicheFontaine]

Yeah, this is starting to sound a little desperate. I'm sure Salmond reads the polls, the most recent Ipsos Mori one showed a sixteen point lead to No (excluding Don't Knows), and there's six weeks to go. Looks like he's just gone into full-on panic mode.

 

[Sir_Crocodile]

Yeah, this is starting to sound a little desperate. I'm sure Salmond reads the polls, the most recent Ipsos Mori one showed a sixteen point lead to No (excluding Don't Knows), and there's six weeks to go. Looks like he's just gone into full-on panic mode.

Well he's got be thinking if he can't win it with the conservatives in power, the prime minister an old etonian and labour the weakest they've been for a generation, when can he win it?

 

[CharmingCharlie]

"The reason we are keeping the pound in a currency union, and the reason we are so unambiguous about it, is because we are appealing to the greatest authority of all, that is the sovereign will of the people of Scotland," he told Holyrood. "It is Scotland's pound. It doesn't belong to George Osborne [the UK chancellor], it doesn't belong to Ed Balls [the shadow chancellor]. It's Scotland's pound and we are keeping it."

Jesus Christ did he actually say that ? The Yes campaign complain about bullying from the Better Together campaign but what ole Alex just said there is akin to a bloody dictatorship. We will have a currency union because he wants it and he is more than willing to impose it on 50 million odd people that don't even get a say whether they want it or not.

I don't even know why the currency issue is a big thing. If this is supposed to be independence then it is only fair to the Scots to offer FULL independence, warts and all. This ridiculous oh we want to be independent here and we want a union there and we want blah blah blah. This cod-independence just reeks of compromise because they couldn't sell full independence so they come up with a "everything will be sunshine and roses" independence.

As one of those Totalitarian Englanders that has somehow imposed a tyrannical reign on Scotland for 300 years I would be dead set against a currency union and I would expect my government to play every card in the book in any negotiations with Scotland. They wish to be a sovereign country again then fair enough but the UK should treat Scotland as a competing nation and act accordingly. After all Salmond has indicated he intends to compete against the UK economically, but we are meant to ignore that and go "hey no prob bro here is a currency union, you keep trying to undermine our economy. It's all cool".

But then I am in a minority, hell I even favour changing the Union Jack to better represent the Union if Scotland leaves it.

 

[kitch9]

Salmond now switching from 'they'll definitely form a currency union with us' to 'they have to form a currency union with us'. "It's Scotland's pound and we are keeping it."

The idea that the rest of the UK shouldn't be allowed to choose whether it's in a currency union or not is absurd. I really am surprised how badly he's messed up the currency issue.

He's a deluded gibbering fool who's backed himself into a corner.

 

[Nicktendo86]

What does everyone think will happen to Salmond if (when) he loses the referendum? Will ha shave to resign?

 

[Showaddy]

What does everyone think will happen to Salmond if (when) he loses the referendum? Will ha shave to resign?

Not sure what purpose it would serve, not like there's going to be another referendum any time soon and Scots seem fairly happy with his domestic policies.

He would have to take responsibility if the NO vote wins by a large margin though, his failure to present a concrete plan to the doubters and those on the fence has been a greater thorn in the YES votes side than anything Labour have done.

 

[RedShift]

What does everyone think will happen to Salmond if (when) he loses the referendum? Will ha shave to resign?

I've think I've heard that he's leaving politics either way (I might be making this up), but I find it hard to imagine him not being Prime Minister of an independent Scotland.

 

[IdreamofHIME]

What does everyone think will happen to Salmond if (when) he loses the referendum? Will ha shave to resign?

Less about Salmond and more about the SNP as a whole. Their entire existence is based on Scottish Independence. To be the majority party in power and then not win the argument? Where does that leave them?
...but then again why do they have a majority in a modern parliament where a majority was thought impossible...if they people who voted them don't want what they stand for?

None of it makes a lick of sense.

 

[Uzzy]

What does everyone think will happen to Salmond if (when) he loses the referendum? Will ha shave to resign?

I'm not sure what he could do other than resign really and retain much dignity. This is a once in a generation vote, so if they lose it, I would expect major repercussions and a whole lot of internal debate about where to go next, along with loads of blame to spread around. Just as Salmond would rightly claim the plaudits if he wins, he'll have to carry the blame if he loses.

Personally, should the vote come back Yes, I'd want Cameron to resign. He's the leader of the Conservative and Unionist party after all, so I think presiding over the collapse of the union would be a pretty serious matter.

 

[RedShift]

Personally, should the vote come back Yes, I'd want Cameron to resign. He's the leader of the Conservative and Unionist party after all, so I think presiding over the collapse of the union would be a pretty serious matter.

Any alternative to Cameron as PM is horrifying at the moment though. Osbourne?

Besides it wouldn't really be his fault, outside of maybe him coming across as a bit of a twat to some people and putting them off the union. If the result is Yes that will be Thatcher's legacy. Divisive policies leading to a divided kingdom.

 

[Uzzy]

Any alternative to Cameron as PM is horrifying at the moment though. Osbourne?

Besides it wouldn't really be his fault, outside of maybe him coming across as a bit of a twat to some people and putting them off the union. If the result is Yes that will be Thatcher's legacy. Divisive policies leading to a divided kingdom.

Yeah, I suppose. But I'm a fan of people taking responsibility for things that happen under their watch, especially when they're this big and fundamentally reshape the UK.

Cameron deserves a lot of credit for actually making this referendum legally binding though. Spain is completely blocking any attempts at Catalan independence, and I don't think even Canada considered the result of the 1995 Quebec referendum legally binding.

 

[CyclopsRock]

Miliband has said that "no currency union" will be in Labour's 2015 manifesto should the vote go "yes", and it's likely the other major parties will follow suit.

Sadly, because "no" will win, we will never get specific proof of how wrong Frag's prediction is!

 

[Uzzy]

The SNP have doubled down on their strategy, saying that they'll get a currency union in exchange for taking their share of the national debt. Which is a crazy threat. An independent Scotland who's first act is to renege on their share of the national debt will get annihilated on the markets. No one would lend to them without interest rates that'd make Greece's look decent.

 

[Ark]

I'm still pissed that I'm Scottish born but can't vote because I've lived in England for the last 18 years. I can understand why, but fuck that to the highlands.

 

[Maledict]

It really does disgust me that Alex Salmond is basically trying to hold the UK hostage to get his own way.

And Ark, my fiance feels the same way. He's lived in England for the past 14 years, and so can't vote. There's a *lot* of Scottish folks I know in London who would vote to stay in the UK - I do think that's part of the reason why Scots who have left Scotland aren't allowed to vote. Scots who have left seem to be much more in favour of staying in the UK.

 

[QuicheFontaine]

It really does disgust me that Alex Salmond is basically trying to hold the UK hostage to get his own way.

And Ark, my fiance feels the same way. He's lived in England for the past 14 years, and so can't vote. There's a *lot* of Scottish folks I know in London who would vote to stay in the UK - I do think that's part of the reason why Scots who have left Scotland aren't allowed to vote. Scots who have left seem to be much more in favour of staying in the UK.

Ehhh, really? I think it's just a practical matter tbh. How would you define "Scottish"? People born in Scotland? People with one parent Scottish? Both?

The only realistic way to do this is to only let people currently living in Scotland vote. I can't see it being part of some plan to bolster the Yes vote.

 

[CharmingCharlie]

The SNP have doubled down on their strategy, saying that they'll get a currency union in exchange for taking their share of the national debt. Which is a crazy threat. An independent Scotland who's first act is to renege on their share of the national debt will get annihilated on the markets. No one would lend to them without interest rates that'd make Greece's look decent.

So basically they are trying to financially blackmail the rest of the UK into imposing a currency union that only 23% of the UK population want. Even if we ignore the markets view of a new nation that decided "fuck it we aint paying" what remains of the UK could make things very very very bad for Scotland if they went through with this threat.

At the end of the day it all comes down to "who has the biggest stick" and for some reason Salmond and Co are under the impression Scotland has the power here. Whereas in reality the UK doesn't have a "stick" in comparison it has a bloody giant redwood tree with which to bash Scotland if it so wished.

I'm still pissed that I'm Scottish born but can't vote because I've lived in England for the last 18 years. I can understand why, but fuck that to the highlands.

If you start demanding a currency union with Dome City on the Neocraft server I am soooooo building a Dome over your Arkyoto city to keep you Arkish people separated from the glorious Untied Dome City Kingdom ;-)

 

[RedShift]

Ehhh, really? I think it's just a practical matter tbh. How would you define "Scottish"? People born in Scotland? People with one parent Scottish? Both?

The only realistic way to do this is to only let people currently living in Scotland a vote. I can't see it being part of some plan to bolster the Yes vote.

Yeah. I doubt Better Together are complaining, non Scottish people living in Scotland get to vote this way as well (including Jo Rowling's £1m donation).

 

[Ark]

If you start demanding a currency union with Dome City on the Neocraft server I am soooooo building a Dome over your Arkyoto city to keep you Arkish people separated from the glorious Untied Dome City Kingdom ;-)

I'd have to finish Arkyoto first LOL.

 

[Walshicus]

Even if we ignore the markets view of a new nation that decided "fuck it we aint paying" what remains of the UK could make things very very very bad for Scotland if they went through with this threat.

I suppose Scotland feels it has no obligation to take on a proportional share of the United Kingdom's debt if the "United Kingdom" offers no proportional share of assets. Which is pretty sane given that the "United Kingdom" insists it's the successor state.

Investors wouldn't care - the debt has already been 100% guaranteed by Westminster regardless of whether Scotland walks away from it. They lose nothing and the circumstances are unlikely to be repeated and so won't truly figure into decision making.

The "nuclear" option is more damaging to the "UK", not Scotland. But the nuclear option won't happen because when Scotland votes Yes both sides will act in their mutual interest and not with the pettiness that has been allowed to infect the Unionist "debate".

I mean if both Ireland and the "UK" can exist in the state they do together even with the history of violence between the two, how fucking stupid is it to assume that England and Scotland won't have similar, closer arrangements?

 

[RedShift]

I suppose Scotland feels it has no obligation to take on a proportional share of the United Kingdom's debt if the "United Kingdom" offers no proportional share of assets.

Stirling isn't an 'asset' though. The UK wanting to have it's own independent currency that it can control without having to worry about another sovereign state's financial situations isn't some terrible crime that should be punished by Scotland refusing to pay it's debts.

Westminster took full responsibility for the debt because otherwise no one would buy UK bonds in case the SNP decided to hold their portion of the debt hostage (which given Salmond's recent statements was a pretty good idea). It was and is still expected that an independent Scotland would take it's share.

 

[Uzzy]

The guarantee on the debt was a necessary step to prevent uncertainty about the repayment of those debts. That sort of uncertainty would only increase the cost of borrowing for the UK, which is obviously something that any government would want to avoid. Scotland repudiating their share of the debts post independence would have major repercussions on their cost of borrowing, which would be required from day one.

Now, none of the political parties have ruled out anything involving a proportional share of UK assets. That's entirely fair that assets get shared in the event of independence, and no one has an issue with that. Currency is not an asset. It's a means of exchange, a means of evaluating the value of assets.

 

[QuicheFontaine]

I suppose Scotland feels it has no obligation to take on a proportional share of the United Kingdom's debt if the "United Kingdom" offers no proportional share of assets. Which is pretty sane given that the "United Kingdom" insists it's the successor state.

I'm no expert in International Relations, but I don't think it's a matter of "insistence" so much as plain fact. How would you argue that the rUK wouldn't be the successor state?

As a (admittedly non-ideal) comparison, the Russian Federation was the successor state to the USSR on the basis of having 51% of the population and 77% of the land. With the UK, the rUK would have roughly 92% of the population and 68% of the land.

 

[RandyBobandy]

It's funny reading about all these English celebrities talking about the Better Together campaign. So vocal about something they're not involved in or can even vote for. Who cares what you think Mick Jagger

Where's all the Scottish celebrities weighing in with their opinions?

I haven't read anything about them, except for what Connery said.

 

[CharmingCharlie]

Sincerely doubt that. The electorate don't give a shit about it; half we English either support it and the other half just don't care.

You seem to be out of step with public opinion the latest poll shows only 23% support a currency union. The English do NOT like currency unions, they were dead set against the Euro and you can bet your arse they are dead set against a currency union with Scotland. Especially after all the threats that the SNP have been throwing their way.

You keep banging on about what benefit has Scotland received from being in the Union well I would say they benefitted from UK currency since they seem to want to stay a part of that.

 

[John Dunbar]

i can understand why scots would want independence, but why do english want them to stay? murray already won them wimbledon.

 

[Sir_Crocodile]

Where's all the Scottish celebrities weighing in with their opinions?

I haven't read anything about them, except for what Connery said.

Surely Bahamian

 

[fizzelopeguss]

It's funny reading about all these English celebrities talking about the Better Together campaign. So vocal about something they're not involved in or can even vote for. Who cares what you think Mick Jagger

Where's all the Scottish celebrities weighing in with their opinions?

I haven't read anything about them, except for what Connery said.

It involves their country too, how are they not involved?

 

[CharmingCharlie]

It's funny reading about all these English celebrities talking about the Better Together campaign. So vocal about something they're not involved in or can even vote for. Who cares what you think Mick Jagger

Where's all the Scottish celebrities weighing in with their opinions?

I haven't read anything about them, except for what Connery said.

Lets see in support of the Yes campaign we have had :-

Sean Connery
Brian Cox
Frankie Boyle
Kevin Bridges
Alan Cummings

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-26275521

There is "celebrity endorsement" for both sides of the campaign.

i can understand why scots would want independence, but why do english want them to stay? murray already won them wimbledon.

I think for the rest of the UK they appreciate that Scotland leaving the UK will damage the UK overall (how much is open to question). No one in the UK is under any illusion that Scotland going independent is going to be cheap, the UK accepts there will be a price to pay and right now with the country just getting back on it's feet again it is going to hurt.

Naturally though the Nationalists are of the view it will all be bloody sunshine and roses, streets will be lined with gold once they unshackle from the oppression of the tyranny of the English (but hey we still want a currency union though don't forget that).

 

[Uzzy]

i can understand why scots would want independence, but why do english want them to stay? murray already won them wimbledon.

Having an international border stuck in the middle of my country, between me and some of my friends, my gf.. well, that'd suck.

 

[DSKMan]

The SNP have doubled down on their strategy, saying that they'll get a currency union in exchange for taking their share of the national debt. Which is a crazy threat. An independent Scotland who's first act is to renege on their share of the national debt will get annihilated on the markets. No one would lend to them without interest rates that'd make Greece's look decent.

Uh No, the debt isn't just transferred like that. It would be the UK that gets damaged, not Scotland.

 

[AGoodODST]

Having an international border stuck in the middle of my country, between me and some of my friends, my gf.. well, that'd suck.

You aren't serious are you?

 

[Wrestlemania]

Having an international border stuck in the middle of my country, between me and some of my friends, my gf.. well, that'd suck.

Joke post, right?

 

[Uzzy]

Uh No, the debt isn't just transferred like that. It would be the UK that gets damaged, not Scotland.

The debt has been guaranteed by the UK, regardless of what happens. This was a necessary step to prevent borrowing costs rising due to the uncertainty over the repayment of those debts. Which seems rather prescient, given Salmond's claims about just forgoing any debt.

No debt would be transferred to Scotland, but an independent Scotland would be expected to pay their share of the total debt (through paying money to the rUK), in return for a proportional share of the assets. Should Scotland decide to renege on their debt, then the international markets would view that rather dis-favourably and lead to a huge rise in borrowing costs for Scotland. Not to mention the problems that'd cause in terms of divvying up assets.

You aren't serious are you?

Joke post, right?

My country is the UK. Scottish independence means breaking that up. It means sticking an international border across my country. Which isn't something I want to see. I think we here in England benefit hugely from having Scotland in the Union, in cultural, social and economic terms.

 

[QuicheFontaine]

You aren't serious are you?

Joke post, right?

I don't realistically think there would be any kind of serious border if Scotland became independent, but I don't blame him for being concerned about it since the well-known berk and potential future Prime Minister Ed Milliband has suggested just that.

 

[Uzzy]

You aren't serious are you?

Joke post, right?

I don't realistically think there would be any kind of serious border if Scotland became independent, but I don't blame him for being concerned about it since the well-known berk and potential future Prime Minister Ed Milliband has suggested just that.

I'm not concerned about some kind of massive border fence or anything crazy like that. But we would have a border between us. Scotland would be a foreign country. I don't want to see that, as it'd mean breaking up the UK.

 

[CyclopsRock]

I think maybe people were e pressing surprise on the grounds that we already have a border in our country - it's in between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Also, most of our assets are already "shared" - the majority of public spending doesn't go on infrastructure but rather wealth transfers and paying public sector staff. The people of Scotland (and England etc) already have that.

 

[DSKMan]

The debt has been guaranteed by the UK, regardless of what happens. This was a necessary step to prevent borrowing costs rising due to the uncertainty over the repayment of those debts. Which seems rather prescient, given Salmond's claims about just forgoing any debt.

No debt would be transferred to Scotland, but an independent Scotland would be expected to pay their share of the total debt (through paying money to the rUK), in return for a proportional share of the assets. Should Scotland decide to renege on their debt, then the international markets would view that rather dis-favourably and lead to a huge rise in borrowing costs for Scotland. Not to mention the problems that'd cause in terms of divvying up assets.



My country is the UK. Scottish independence means breaking that up. It means sticking an international border across my country. Which isn't something I want to see. I think we here in England benefit hugely from having Scotland in the Union, in cultural, social and economic terms.

You are wrong, the market would take no such view, because why should Scotland take any debt if England would give them no assets for those debts. They never agreed to such debts and the market doesn't expect them to pay such debts. In order for Scottland to be considered responsible for a proportionate amount of the debt, they should be given a proportionate amount of the assets. The market will view England refusal to divide the assets as a agreement to not divide the debt.

A country is free to use whatever currency it wants, many countries use the USD as their currency, these countries require no such permission from the U.S to do so. No country requires permission to use any currency.

 

[Maledict]

And no-one is questioning Scotland's right to do that. But that comes with it's own host of problems and issues, which is why Salmond wants a currency union.

Others can explain why your view on the debt is wrong, but needless to say a currency union isn't an asset.

 

[Stuart444]

Not been back to this thread in a while so stupid question. What does rUK stand for? (well specifically the r bit since UK is obvious lol)

Also do we know how this will work? Will it be like the general election where results come throughout the night and are updated online/on the news? (except it will be just areas in Scotland as opposed to areas across the UK)

Do we have any recent public polls saying what people in Scotland are leaning towards? I've seen a lot more from the Yes folks in recent days than I have since the referendum was announced originally. Makes me a little worried since I'd prefer to stay but whatever happens happens I guess.

One month and 8 days left til the referendum.